Understanding the Champaran Satyagraha

The question asks about the year in which the Champaran Satyagraha was launched. The Champaran Satyagraha was a pivotal movement in India's freedom struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was the first Satyagraha movement inspired by Gandhi on Indian soil.

Background of the Champaran Satyagraha

Champaran, a district in Bihar, had a system where European planters forced Indian farmers to cultivate indigo on a portion of their land, usually three-twentieths (known as the tinkathia system). The farmers were paid very low prices for this indigo, and often exploited in other ways, such as through illegal cesses (taxes) and rent increases. When synthetic dyes were invented, reducing the demand for natural indigo, the planters often tried to extract high compensation from the farmers to release them from the obligation to grow indigo. This oppression caused great distress among the farmers.

Launching the Champaran Satyagraha

Rajkumar Shukla, a farmer from Champaran, travelled to the Indian National Congress session in Lucknow in 1916 to voice the grievances of the Champaran peasants. He urged Mahatma Gandhi to visit Champaran and see the situation for himself. Gandhi initially hesitated but eventually agreed to visit the district in 1917.

Upon his arrival in Champaran, Gandhi began investigating the conditions of the farmers. He was ordered by the local authorities to leave the district immediately. Gandhi refused, stating that he was there to help the poor peasants and that it was his duty to remain. This act of defiance marked the beginning of the Champaran Satyagraha.

Gandhi employed the method of Satyagraha, which involves non-violent resistance and civil disobedience. He organized peaceful demonstrations and strikes, and collected detailed testimonies from thousands of farmers about their exploitation. His method put immense pressure on the British authorities and the planters.

Outcome of the Champaran Satyagraha

Due to Gandhi's efforts and the support of leaders like Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, Mahadev Desai, Narhari Parikh, and others, the government was compelled to appoint an inquiry commission. Gandhi was made a member of this commission. Based on the commission's recommendations, the Champaran Agrarian Act was passed in 1918, which abolished the tinkathia system and provided relief to the farmers.

The Champaran Satyagraha was a major success for Gandhi and for the method of Satyagraha in India. It boosted the morale of the Indian people and established Gandhi as a prominent leader in the Indian nationalist movement.

Determining the Year of Champaran Satyagraha

Based on the historical context and events described, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Champaran and launched the Satyagraha in 1917.

Let's look at the options provided:

• 1917: This is the year when Gandhi visited Champaran and initiated the Satyagraha movement against the oppressive indigo cultivation system.
• 1945: This year falls much later than the Champaran Satyagraha. Significant events during this period include the end of World War II and the beginning of the final phase of India's independence movement.
• 1935: This year is also much later. Important events around this time include the Government of India Act 1935.
• 1928: This year is after the Champaran Satyagraha. Notable events include the Bardoli Satyagraha, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which also used the methods inspired by Gandhi's earlier movements.

Therefore, the correct year for the launch of the Champaran Satyagraha is 1917.

Revision Table: Key Events in Early Gandhi Movements

Additional Information on Satyagraha

Satyagraha, meaning "truth force" or "soul force," is a philosophy and practice of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience. It was developed and employed by Mahatma Gandhi in India's struggle for independence. The core principles of Satyagraha include:

• Truth (Satya): Emphasizing the pursuit of truth and justice.
• Non-violence (Ahimsa): The refusal to inflict harm on opponents.
• Self-suffering: The willingness of the Satyagrahi to suffer for the cause rather than inflicting suffering on others.

Satyagraha is not passive resistance but active non-violent resistance aimed at converting the oppressor through moral persuasion and demonstrating the truth of the cause.